Closure-retaining device.



L. S. GHADWICK. CLOSURE RETAINING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1913.

Patented M1126, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

jzrenfor Z/Z/ZYZZESSEF W M 5y Aw QM THE NORRIS PETERS CO. PHOTO LATHO.\VA HVNI1I0N D c L. S. OHADWIOK.

CLOSURE RETAINING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1913.

1,126,889, Patented 11.26, 1915.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

THE NORRIS PETERS co, PHOTO-LITHO.. wAs/wNcroN. D c

snare rarnnir @FFfitllfii LEE S. CI-IADVI'ICK, OF CLEVELAND, 01-110, ASSIGNOB TO THE CLEVELA ND FOUNDRY COMPANY, F CLEVELAND, OHIO, A. CORPORATION OF OHIO.

CLOSURE-RETAINING- DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Eatent.

Patented Jan. 2%, 1915.

To all whom it may concern:

fie it known that 1, Line S. Crmnwion, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful improvement in Closure-Retaining'Devices, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to closure retaining devices and particularly to devices whereby the doors of ovens, refrigerators, fireless cookers, ice bones and the like heat insulative contrivances may be secured, al though the invention is not limited to such use.

It is well known that a great number of devices have been produced for securing in its closed position the free edge of a cover or door and with such eiliciency that its tightness at that point is beyond question, but it has ordinarily been the custom to secure the opposite side of that door or cover by means of an ordinary rigid hinge, and t ie tightness of this hinge was always open to suspicion from the fact that a certain amount of loosencss is usually left in order to permit the easy operation of the door or cover.

it is the fundamental object of this invention to provide an arrangement of hinge and catch which shall operate together to force the door into tight contact with its seat at all points when the same is closed and secured, while permitting the free and easy opening of the. same when released; the provision of closure retaining devices which shall serve to render the closure sufficiently tight without necessitating undue exactness in the manufacture of the parts; the provision of a new and improved type of hinge for closure members; the provision of a new and improved latch; while further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description procoeds.

Generally speaking my invention may be defined as consisting of the combination and constructions recited in the claims hereto annexed and illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application, wherein:

Figure 1 is a face view of an oven door and frame having the securing devices of my invention; Fig. 2 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of the same, the door being shown in plan; Fig. 3 is a horizontal, crosssectional view through the hinge showing a portion of tne frame and door to an enlarged scale; Fig. 4- is an end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken through the middle of the catch shown in Fig. 1, a portion of the frame and door being shown to enlarged scale; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the movable catch member; and Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to Fig. 5 of modified forms of catch devices.

Describing the parts by reference charactors, the frame or body of the device here shown comprises a metal sheet bent to form inner and outer walls 1 and 2, respectively, connected at their forward edges by means of an integral web 3, this web being here shown as distorted at the point adjacent to the inner wall 2 so as to provide a rabbet l. In the present embodiment a double walled cellular device 5 is introduced between the walls 1 and 2 so as further to diminish the conductivity of heat, the space between adjacent walls being filled with suitable nonconducting materials in accordance with the usual practice. Furthermore the outer corners of the wall 1 may be reinforced by inner and outer angles 6 and 7 if desired, which construction, although not essential to the employment of my improve ments now to be described, is very convenient as forming a base or support for the same.

The door or closure is shown as consisting of a metal plate 10 faced at 11 to seat within the rabbet 1- and having its marginal portion outside of said seating region flared outwardly as at 12 to a point adjacent to the web 3. At the rearward or hinge re ceiving portion of this closure member or door the plate is then bent to form a lip 13 substantially parallel to the plate 10; at the remaining edges the plate is preferably extended still farther as at it to overlap the web 3 and then bent abruptly back upon itself as at 15 so as to receive and retain the edges of the outer plate 16 which forms the face of the door or closure. The distance between the portions 11 and 1 1 of the closure is preferably the same as the depth of the rabbet 4 so that they may engage their respective seats simultaneously. The rearward edge of the plate 16 is secured to the lip 13 in a suitable or convenient manner as by riveting or welding.

The rearward edge of the plate 16 is extended beyond the end of the door or closure and is notched at intervals to provide a plurality of spaced tongues 20-20 which are bent to form eyes 2121 receiving a hinge-pintle 22 whose length is preferably greater than the width of the door or closure at that point. Also secured to the face of the web 3 at this point is an elongated plate 23 of flexible metal having its free edge notched to form tongues complementary to the tongues 20 and similarly rolled to form eyes 2 1 surrounding the pintle 22 intermediate the eyes 21, the plate 23 being preferably formed with deep longitudinal corrugations between the pintle and the anchorage so as to enhance its flexibility. In addition the frame is provided with a plurality of brackets 25 formed with angular ends 26 overhanging the hinge-pintle. In the present embodiment two of these brackets are shown, one at each margin of the door or closure, and their inclined ends are formed to overhang the protruding ends of the pintle, but it will be apparent that the number of these brackets could be varied depending upon the size of the closure and the amount of tightness desired. Secured to the frame at the side opposite this hinge device are the fixed portions of the catch devices, hereshown as comprising a pair of spaced brackets 30-30 formed by turning upwardly the ends of the plate 31 which is secured to the frame. These brackets 30-30 project toward the door or closure and have their sides undercutas shown at 32 for a purpose to be described presently. Pivoted to the door or closure at the edge adjacent to these brackets, is a catch member provided with engaging portions adapted to become wedged beneath these brackets so as to force the closure to its seat and hold it there until intentionally released. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive this member consists of a U-shaped frame having sides 33 and base 3 1 the base being housed within the space defined by the plates 10 and 16 and the sides projecting through suitable slots formed in the plate 16. Secured in the sides 33 is a hingepin 35 which is engaged by eyes 36 secured to the inner face of the plate 16. The outer or free ends of the sides 3333 are connected by a pin 37 receiving a suitable handle 38, while intermediate their ends the sides are formed with studs 39 adapted to engage the inclined faces of the brackets 30'30. In the present embodiment the studs are shown as surrounded by small rollers so that the device may operate easily and with a minimum of noise. Also the edges of the members 33 are notched adjacent to the base 34 for the reception of a spring L0 which may tend to throw the device to engaging position when the door is closed, and may prevent rattling at all times. This spring may conveniently be of the well known bail type and may be retained by fitting in the angle between the portions 11 and 12 of the door.

Inspection of Fig. 5 will show that the face of the bracket 30 converges slightly upon the arc struck about the pin 35, so that when the frame 33 is swung toward the bracket with the door in closed position, the parts will become wedged, tending to force the door against its seat. At the same time the longitudinal component of this force tends to shift the door across its seat, forcing the hinge-pintle 22 against the inclined edges 26 of the brackets 25, whereby it also is clamped in place and ingress or egress of fluids is entirely prevented.

In Figs. 7 and 8 I have illustrated two of the many modifications which the latching member may assume. In Fig. 7 the brackets 3030 are replaced by spring arms 30 having secured to their free ends a rod 15 upon which is journaled the roller 46. Secured to the adjacent edge of the door is a knuckle shaped part 417 adapted, when the door is closed, to press against the roller and displace the same against the force of the brackets, and then topass partially by this roller so as to be held yieldingly in closed position. The latch member similarly consists of a frame 3334 pivoted to the door at 35 and having a handle 38 The forward edges of this frame are formed with cars 48 adapted to catch over the ends of the rod 45 and prevent the springing away of the bracket 30", thus locking the door in closed position. The inner faces of the ears are preferably formed to converge upon the arc defined by the pivot 35 so as to exert a true drawing action, and a spring 40 may be employed as before to throw the catch into operative position and to prevent its rattling.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 a rigid bracket 30 is shown and having journaled to its outer end a roller 45 whose axis is parallel to the frame as before. The catch likewise comprises a U--shaped member 33 34 pivoted at 35 and having a handle 38*. The sides of this frame are provided with studs 39 which may have suitable rollers thereon, and arranged so as to pass beneath the roller 45* when the door is closed. In this case a spring 40 may be employed to operate the catch and prevent its rattling as before. It will be noted that the modification shown in Fig. 8 is practically the same as that in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, excepting that a roller 45 is employed instead of the inclined face of a rigid bracket 30. In all these cases some means is provided for preventing the catch from swinging too far forward and so blocking the closing of the door. In Figs. 5 and 8 this result is attained by forming the sides of the frame with shoul ders 50-50 and in Fig. 7 by bending up the end of the hinge strap 36 to form a brace 51. lit will be obvious that a great many modifications of this catch could be made in addition to those herein illustrated, described, or suggested. It is also obvious that many changes in the hinge construction could be adopted without departure from my inventive idea. It will also be clear that in addition to the beneficial results obtained from the combined action of the catchand hinge devices herein described and claimed, both of the same could be employed separately or with other hinging or catching mechanism with beneficial results. Finally, while I have illustrated my improvements in connection with a heat retaining device of metal construction, it will be apparent that they are confined to neither of these uses. Accordingly, while I have described my invention in detail I do not propose to be limited to these details except as the same may be positively in the claims hereto annexed or may be rendered necessary by the prior state of the art.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is V 1. The combination, with a fame and a closure therefor, said closure being hinged to said frame at one side, of a catch at the opposite side of said frame from such hinge and adapted, when latched, to clamp the adjacent portion of the closure firmly to said frame, and m ans apart from said hinge for simultaneously clamping against said frame the portion of said closure adjacent to such hinge.

2. The combination, closure therefor, of hinge means secured to said frame and closure at one side and normally holding said closure loosely, catch means carried by said frame and closure at a point removed from said hinge means and adapted when latched, to clamp tightly the part of the closure adjacent thereto, and means apart from said hinge and operative upon the latching of said catch means for clamping tightly against said frame the part of said closure adjacent to said hinge means. 3, The combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, of a yielding hinge secured to said frame and closure at one side, complementary catch devices carried by said frame and closure at a point removed from said hinge and adapted to clamp tightly to said frame the part of the closure adjacent thereto, and wedging means operative upon the clamping of said catch devices for binding against said frame the part of said closure adjacent to said hinge.

4c. The combination with a frame and a with a frame and a V closure therefor, of a hinge part rigid with said closure, a hinge part yieldingly secured to said frame and engaging said first part, said hinge parts being pivotally connected together, wedge means carried by said frame and engaging a part of said closure, catch devices carried by said frame and closure at point removed from said hinge parts, and means operative upon the latching of said catch devices, for cruising relative movement between said wedge devices and said closure for clamping firmly against said frame the portion of said closure adjacent to the hinge.

5. The combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, of hinge parts carried by said frame and closure at one side thereof, one of said hinge parts being yieluingly attached, a pair of wedging devices carried one by said frame and the other by the closure adjacent to said hinge parts, and catch devices carried by said frame and closure at a p int removed from said hinge parts and arranged when latched to produce relative movement between said wedging devices whereby the portion of said closure adjacent to said hinge parts may be clamped firmly to said frame.

6. fhe combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, of ved means carried by said irame and overhanging a part of said closure, hinge parts attached to said frame and closure adjacent to said wedging devices, one of said hinge parts being yieldingly securec place, and latching-means carried by said frame and closure at a point removed from said wedging means and adapted, when latched, to shift said closure against said wedging means whereby the portion of said closure adjacent to said hinge parts may be clamped firmly against said frame.

he combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, said frame having wedg 'ng devices secured to opposite sides thereof, of hinge parts carried by said frame and closure adjacent to one of said wedging devices, one of said hinge parts being yieldingly secured, and a catch device movably attached to a portion of said closure adja cent to the other of said wedging devices, said catch device being arranged, upon beengaged with its wedging device, to shift said closure against the other wedging device whereby said closure is clamped against said frame.

8. lhe combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, said frame having wedging devices at opposite sides thereof, of flexible hinge means between said frame and closure adjacent to one of said wedging devices, and a catch device attached to a portion of said closure adjacent to the other of said wedg ing devices, means for causing wedging engagement between said catch device and wedging device and for simultaneously effecting relative movement between said closure and the other Wedging device Whereby said closure is clamped against said frame.

9. The combination, With a frame and a closure therefor, of a hinge-pintle rigidly secured adjacent to one edge of said closure, a flexible plate secured to said frame and engaging said pint-1e, rigid brackets carried by said frame and overhanging said pintle, the inner faces of said brackets being inclined, and cooperating catch devices carried by said frame and closure at a point removed from said hinge pintle and adapted, when latched, to exert an angular force upon said closure whereby said closure it'll be clamped directly against the frame at a point adjacent to said catch devices and will be shifted longitudinally so that said pintle will be wedged inwardly by said brackets.

10. The combination, With a frame and a closure therefor, of a hinge pintle rigidly secured adjacent to one edge of said closure, a thin metal plate having one edge firmly attached to said frame and the opposite edge pivotally engaging said pintle, the intermediate portion of said plate being corrugated .Whereby its flexibility is increased, rigid brackets carried by said frame and overhanging said pintle, the inner faces of said brackets being inclined, and cooperating catch devices carried by said frame and clo sure at a point removed from said hinge pintle and adapted, when latched, to shift said closure longitudinally so that tle Will be V edged inwardly by said brackets. 7

11. The combination, with a frame and a closure therefor, of catch parts carried by said frame and closure and adapted When 40 latched, to clamp said closure'against' said frame andalso to shift said closure longitudinally, and means carried by said frame and closure at a point removed from said catch parts for transforming said longitu dinal movement into a clamping movement.

12. Thenombinaticn,With a frame and a closure therefor, of cooperating Wedging devices carried by said frame and closure, and

catch parts carried by said frame and 010- 59 i LEE s. OHADWIOK.

Witnesses: Gno. H. Kori-Inna,

BERNARD J. Tn LonKnN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, "by addressing the Gommissione r of Eatents, Washington, D. 0. r c

said pin- 35 mg devices may clamp said closure and 

